Following my dream and becoming a hair stylist is the best decision I have ever made. I love transforming hair and showing people a new version of themselves--a version that boosts confidence and self-worth. I love teaching other stylists my techniques and sharing my journey step-by-step. Although my career is mostly filled with uplifting moments, I have noticed more bullying within the industry than expected. In an industry that is dedicated to beauty and enhancing the quality of life, it amazes me how much time is spent on the contrary: breaking people down.
In my March post, Overcoming Cyber Bullying, I addressed how social media can boost your followers, clientele, and presence in the beauty industry. I want this blog to focus on how we can support one another. While most of us are aware of social media bullying, many of us are doing nothing to prevent it. We can't stand by while bullies attack our friends, and we shouldn't feel alone when we are the ones affected.
We need to be allies.
We need to support one another.
We need to stay true to ourselves online and offline.
Social Media Bullying: The use of social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. In It's Complicated, Danah Boyd shares, "Social media — far from being the seductive Trojan horse — is a release valve, allowing [people] to reclaim meaningful sociality as a tool for managing the pressures and limitations around them.
We will always be faced with pressures and limitations, but how we respond to those challenges makes a difference in your life and the lives of others.
Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Let's lift one another up in good times and hard times. It's important to have integrity and be consistent in person with who you are on social media, and if you aren't, it won't be long before others realize which version is fake. The moment you express jealousy in the form of disrespect, you compromise the respect that others have for you.
Let's have integrity in our work and in our relationships in the beauty industry.
How do we instill integrity in our lives?
- Stay true to yourself. Don't compromise your true character for anyone.
- Be transparent. Don't act differently on social media than you do in person.
- Rely on your friends. Don't go at the battle alone; ask for help!
When we break each other down, we are destroying confidence and self-worth. Whether you are guilty of bullying someone over social media, or you are currently being bullied as you read this post, we need to look deep into the core of ourselves and figure out why we must do that in order to fill a void with ourselves.
There are thousands of people dedicated to advancing their career in the beauty industry. We should encourage and support each other, and if we have nothing nice to say then we need to learn not to say it at all.
How can you empower integrity over bullying? I want to see your selfies! Be sure to share your picture and hashtag #socialintegritywins on Instagram or Twitter!
“Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe it. ”
Ask Larisa
Contessa P. asked: "Your balyages always look so great! I was wondering if you take vertical diagonal back sections? We are taught to take horizontal at school and it always produces a harsh line. Thank you!"
LL: Vertical sections are key to a perfect blend. Look at the hair as a canvas and how it naturally falls and paint it naturally a sun kissed look would do.
Submit your questions via the "Ask Larisa" form, and check in to see if your question is answered next month!